• Select the organization you will use to complete the Fishbone Diagram and prepare for the Week 3 and 4 assignments. Base your organization selection on the following criteria:
  • The organization should be one you are familiar with.
  • You have access to internal processes.
  • It has an organizational problem that needs to be resolved.
  • You can think of a realistic and enforceable solution to the issue.
• Develop a Fishbone Diagram using the instructions below and the provided template Download template.

Developing the Fishbone Diagram

Note: It is important to view the following videos before starting the assignment and to develop your Fishbone diagram.

• Bloom's Taxonomy and Critical Thinking SkillsLinks to an external site..
• Critical Thinking ModelLinks to an external site..
• The Fishbone Diagram.Links to an external site.

The purpose of the Fishbone Diagram is to support you as you drill down to identify the actual problem. You can use as many major causes and sub-causes as you may need to document the results of your brainstorming as you identify the root problem.

To get started, you may want to research different brainstorming techniques, such as the 5 Why's or the 4P's, to assist you in completing the Fishbone Diagram. When you start the brainstorming process, you should think of the diagram as a fish with the main axis being the fish spine; the issue's primary factors branch out in a fashion resembling the bones of the fish.

Using the Fishbone Diagram helps you to break down complex issues into manageable components. Take note of causes that appear numerous times. Test the most likely cause and verify it with data. Important: Keep in mind to state causes, not solutions.

Note: The diagram for this assignment has been created in Excel to provide you with a template to work in and does not reflect the traditional Fishbone Diagram but works the same way. You may not need to use all the major cause or sub-cause fields provided; it is not required.

The following are the steps to construct your Fishbone Diagram.

1. Brainstorm potential causes of the problem.
2. Identify your major cause categories and record them in the diagram.
   • Note: Double-click in the field where you want to record information.
   • The following are examples of categories that are commonly used, but yours may be different:
     • Turnover, Culture, Retention, Job Satisfaction, Management, Customer Service.
     • Methods, Machines, Materials, People.
     • Places, Procedures, Employees, Policies.
     • Surroundings, Suppliers, Systems, Skills.
3. Identify sub-causes that may contribute to the problem and record them in the diagram.
   • Review each sub-cause and highlight the most likely causes on the diagram.
   • Review the sub-causes that are highlighted and ask, "Why is this a cause?" Asking why helps you get to the root of the problem.
   • Identify supporting information that could contribute to each of the sub-causes.
   • Add the contributing factors in a branch off the sub-cause.
   • Continue identifying causes until you identify the root cause for the problem.

Prepare

• Prepare for the assignments due in Weeks 3 and 4 by reviewing the course guide and the assignment requirements.
  • Read the assignment instructions thoroughly.
  • Start to research one source of power to formulate your individualized approach.
  • Reach out to your instructor with questions early.

Confidentiality:Since you will be addressing real issues in real organizations in your assignments, it is important to respect confidentiality. Feel free to use an alias for any company or individuals you might mention in your assignments. Remember that all discussions about these organizations should only occur within this course and not be shared with people outside the course.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all support. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.